Copal
Copal Scientific Name: Protium copal Common Name: Copal, Pom
Copal – Copal has long been used as a sacred incense by the Maya, Nahuatl (Aztec), and Zoque people. It is actually a tree resin that is sweet, spicy, earthy, and woody. The Aztecs burnt Copal in their temples during ceremony and temazcal sweat rituals. The Mayans used as a food for the Gods. Copal smoke can be used for protection, to cleanse the body, and divination. All plants are sacred, so treating plants with respect is very important. When deciding what plants to use for smudging consider which ones resonate with you and the ones you can align with energetically. Always set your intentions and thank the plants, telling them how you hope to use them. Whether you are preparing your sacred space for meditation and healing, cleansing your living space, to relax and reduce stress, using sacred herbs is healing for the body and spirit and connect with the source.
The word copal is derived from the Nahuatl language word copalli, meaning “incense”. In one culture a shaman uses tobacco, sage or cannabis, in others copal , frankincense, sandalwood, cedar, juniper or pine.
Copal is the name given to the aromatic resin derived from the sap or “blood” of certain trees from the Torchwood family and trees in the Buresa family, that hardens when in contact with the air. A process of tree selection is done by “copaleros” or experts on discriminating whether the tree is robust and healthy enough for it to flow well throughout the harvesting season. Traditionally, cuts are done on the bark of the copal tree and a maguey stalk is placed underneath to receive the resin that will turn into the aromatic, sacred incense.
Copal, when burned, produces a white smoke that Native Mesoamericans associate with Iztacteteo or “White Gods.” These gods, in turn, are believed to aid in the communication between humans and the Great Mystery. The column of white smoke created by copal burning represents the cosmic axis out of which the universe and all its creatures emerged and acts as the connecting thread between the worlds, between heaven and earth. The burning of copal calls upon the wisdom of the heart of all things and symbolizes the Mysterious center ever pulsating toward greater consciousness and connection.
Copal was also associated to the god Tlaloc (“He who Makes Things Grow”) and the goddess Chalchiuhtlicue (“She of the Jade Skirt”) both rulers of water and associated with fertility and creation. Small copal figurines representing these deities have been found in the ancient city of Tenochtitlan. Copal as an offering is related to the activation of the waters of life and the processes of creation that allow us to further explore the Great Mystery of existence. The primordial waters within us are acknowledged and honored by copal burning.
Copal’s resin was well known for its therapeutic and medicinal uses and reports suggest that it was also used as glue. Lore has it that copal’s white smoke helps with headaches and relieves diseases associated with cold and humidity. Given its positive effects on the limbic system, copal oil is used in aromatherapy to treat a number of diseases. In some cases, the resin is used in tea to treat bronchitis and applied locally for coughs and rheumatism. With many contemporary uses, copal is a true ally for body and mind.
How to Burn Resins: Light the charcoal with matches or lighter for about 20 seconds until it self-ignites. Use tongs to hold it up (never hold it with your fingers alone or you might get burned). Place the lit charcoal in a bowl or any incense burner. The bowl or incense burner should be filled with sand or dirt. Let the charcoal warm for a few minutes. (It turns gray around the edges when it is ready) Now you are ready! Add a small amount of resin on top of the charcoal. The resin will burn and soon release essential, aromatic oils through the smoke. Continue to place resins or powder on charcoal as they burn out and smoke decreases for a continuous burn.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copal
